A grandson of the historic Blue Star Diner's longtime owners has started a Go Fund Me page that he says is an effort to raise money to save the closed iconic eatery.

Alex Blentson's idea was to raise enough money from the community to buy the diner, restore and reopen it.

But Michael Lessin, president of Belleville Diners LLC, which has owned the diner since 2010, says the diner is not for sale or rent, and he will not accept any funds Blentson raises.

"None of these funds will actually go to the Blue Star.… Please do not get scammed," Lessin wrote on the Go Fund Me page.

After the diner sat closed for five years, the city condemned it and placed it on a list for demolition. The city then agreed earlier this week to give Lessin 90 days to submit plans to renovate the diner. Once the plans are approved, Lessin estimates it will open in six to nine months, restored to its original 1960s luster and serving quality food.

From the Daily Press archives, pictures of local restaurants.

(Daily Press Archives)

But Blentson isn't buying it.

"I was raised in that restaurant. My grandma loved her community and it showed, not only through her food, but through her relationships with her customers," said Blentson, a chef, 29 of Newport News. "From what I have gathered, the current owner doesn't seem interested in preserving Newport News or its better memories. I worry that his version of the diner won't be something our children remember like we do."

After Blentson learned Lessin does not plan to accept donations or sell the diner, he told the Daily Press he is considering starting a new Go Fund Me page instead, to help him open his own Newport News restaurant, named "Fannie's," after his grandmother.

"I would like to open a place with community-driven, community-based food to give back, like my grandmother did," Blentson said.

The site, up for 11 days, has so far collected $130 in pledges from three people. None of that money will be transferred from the pledgers to Blentson, however, unless the site reaches its goal of $300,000, due to a Go Fund Me policy.

Parks is the only author to win the Shamus, Nero and Left Awards, a press release from the city's library system said. His book, "Face of the Gone," was the first in history to take both the Shamus and Nero awards.

Parks is a former reporter for the Washington Post and The Newark Star-Ledger.

His appearance is free to the public, but tickets are required. Tickets are available starting Sept. 13 at all public libraries in Newport News, Hampton, Poquoson and York County and the academic libraries of CNU, Hampton University and Thomas Nelson Community College. They are limited to two per person while supplies last.

The event is the ninth free author event sponsored by the Virginia Peninsula Library Consortium.

Back to School event slated

A Community Fest and Back to School Celebration will be held Saturday.

The event, organized by City Councilwoman Sharon Scott, will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Denbigh Community Center, 15198 Warwick Blvd.

The day will include a talent showcase, basketball, free school supplies, food and drinks, inflatable rides and more.

If interested in 3 on 3 basketball, talent showcase or vending, email info@restorationccva.org. For more information, call 757-820-0717.